Beacons of Love

They sell the innocent for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals. (Amos 2:6 NIV)

Care for the poor is a prominent theme in the Old Testament. Unfair imprisonment, a punishment for being poor, tore families apart. When Jesus came on the scene, He extended love and kindness to all, including those who struggled to make a living. His deep passion encompassed them with an extra portion of His grace and mercy. 

The evil one tried to use Judas to stop Jesus from loving the people. This disciple often claimed some funds should be put to better use, all to feather his own nest. We know how things ended for Judas.

Disregard for the poor and suffering in the time of Amos, resulted in dire consequences. It does for us too. The moral compass of that age is a factor in their demise. Our moral compass today calls the question, are we also doomed to captivity and destruction?

In truth, our moral depravity and disregard for those in need around us, has already put us in bondage. This behavior is the opposite of love -- hate. And one session on Facebook, or a segment of the evening news will confirm, hate has overtaken our society. Our rhetoric is laced with contempt and distrust and blatant ire for anyone who doesn't view things our way.

So, what is the answer? When I begin to feel depressed, all I do is look around me and count my blessings. Making a gratitude list will change my attitude. So, I believe I might counter hate in my corner of the world, by showing love. By caring about my neighbor's pain, lending a hand in support, and not push them further down.

Many in our community are showing love by lending a hand. Let us look around and join them. They are beacons of love, we can be too.

Amos 2:6-16

God's Got My Back

Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. (Exodus 14:19)

I cannot imagine a more frightening event, nor a more exciting one. One day you are a slave to Pharaoh and suddenly you are leaving Egypt as part of this gigantic caravan. You have been freed from the cruel Egyptian rule and are heading into a bright new future, albeit unknown. There are hundreds of thousands of you, all moving in the same direction...toward tomorrow. 

There must be some confusion, perhaps commotion too. But, now, it is apparent that Pharaoh didn't simply let you go, in fact he has changed his mind and now there are soldiers chasing after you. 

You have faith that the LORD has placed Moses in charge of you and is using him to bring you, the nation of Israel, out of bondage and into the Promised Land. But still there is an undercurrent of fear and panic.

Then, the angel of God...moved from in front of the people, to the rear. He took his place between God's people and their enemies. What a profound picture this gives me. This is a beautiful picture of God, having your back. And don't you know that He really does?

Knowing that I can turn to God in prayer, cry out for forgiveness and mercy, and understanding that He is there for me, takes my breath away. My journal is filled with instances like this. I imagine yours is too...or at least your memory is filled with such times.

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. (Isaiah 58:8)

Exodus 14:19-31

Colossians 4:2-6

PRAY!

Pray alone with your God! Pray with a congregation of other believers! Pray with a small group! Pray with one other Christ follower! Pray with and for non-believers!......and when you have finished, Pray some more!

Once again Paul reminds us of his suffering for the Lord, and how he was in chains for proclaiming the mystery of Christ. Then he says, "Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should." He doesn't ask for prayer to be freed of those chains, but that within his bondage God's message is made clear.

Our lives on this earth are filled with great suffering and bondage as well. God was up front about this with us right from the get go. He did not promise us that following His Word would bring us a wonderful life here. He clearly offered an honest view of what it would be, using words like persecution, suffering, and pain. Though there are many happy moments in our lives, the older we become the more we realize the reality of his claim. Through our trials however, the importance of maintaining a relationship with Him becomes even greater. Prayer is key. We have been directed many times in the Bible to pray, because prayer is powerful!
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